Shop Talk: Selling Vintage with Whitney & Nicole

Bella Patina: Building a once-a-month vintage market that keeps getting biggerWhitney and Nicole talk with Nick and Megan Allen, the husband-and-wife team behind Bella Patina, a once-a-month antique and vintage market in Kansas City’s West Bottoms. They trace the business from a scrappy 5,000-square-foot start to a 25,000-square-foot destination, and share how curation, vendor culture, and limited-open hours created a business that supports family life instead of consuming it.In this episode, they also dig into what makes a monthly market work long term, how they use social media without shipping or a full-time online store, and why experience matters as much as inventory.In this episode, Nick and Megan share how Bella Patina began as a side quest after marriage, during the market crash, with Craigslist-era sourcing and a lot of uncertainty.They explain why they chose the West Bottoms and how the area’s history, warehouse architecture, and First Fridays energy helped shape the market concept.They describe the early days of launching with seven partners, not enough vendors, and a space that was too big at first, then grew as demand increased.They walk through the expansion from 5,000 square feet to 25,000 square feet over three years, including taking over neighboring space and adding more floors.They talk about why Bella Patina stays open only three days a month, and how scarcity, urgency, and monthly refreshes create momentum.They break down the vendor standards that matter most: fresh inventory, strong merchandising, visual storytelling, and a style that feels authentic to the seller.They share how food concepts like Painted Rooster and Revivalist Coffee add another reason for people to come, while also supporting traffic throughout the store.They discuss the importance of community, including loyal regulars, road trippers, designers, and even production teams for major films.They explain why social media has been one of their strongest growth tools, especially reels, full store previews, and highly visual posts that stop the scroll.They reflect on how running the business as a couple works best when they communicate constantly, stay open-handed, and prioritize their kids and family rhythm.Follow Bella Patina online:Instagram - @bellapatinakcFacebook - Bella Patina KCWebsite - www.bellapatinakc.comThank you to this month’s podcast sponsors!Bar Canon - IG @bar_canon_ - unique vintage & antique barwareThais & Richard Wood - Dolly Archer English Antiques☕️ To receive a shop shout out during the next episode and to support the podcast, head over to Buy Me a Coffee to sign up - we appreciate your help in bringing this podcast to your earbuds every month!Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:-Whitney on IG at @conard.and.co and her website: http://www.conardandco.com -Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://conardandco.myflodesk.com/starterkit

How to Source, Preserve, and Sell Antique Artwork with Michelle from Aarochelle Antique ArtJoin Whitney and Nicole as they chat with Michelle, an expert in rescuing, restoring, and selling antique artwork. In this episode, Michelle shares how she sources pieces, evaluates authenticity and condition, and preserves art so it lasts for generations.Resources mentionedAppraisers Association of AmericaHeritage Haven Antiques 225 on Instagram (Madeline)Local auction housesHeritage AuctionsChristie’sSotheby’sAmerican Institute for Conservation — Find a ConservatorMany frame shops work with art conservators@averygalleryfineart — https://www.averygallery.com@graphicconservation — https://www.graphicconservation.com/In this episode, we cover:Michelle’s journey from artist to antique art dealerSourcing artwork through travel, research, and rare estate findsWhy Instagram works so well for selling artHow to judge authenticity, condition, paper, signatures, and styleFraming tips that protect antique art long-termHow to photograph framed art without glareShipping artwork safely and securelyHow to determine value and when to seek professional appraisalWhether you’re a vintage seller, art lover, or collector, Michelle’s insights will help you source, frame, and sell antique artwork with more confidence.Follow Michelle on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aarochelle.antique.art/☕️ To receive a shop shout out during the next episode and to support the podcast, head over to Buy Me a Coffee to sign up - we appreciate your help in bringing this podcast to your earbuds every month!Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:-Whitney on IG at @conard.and.co and her website: http://www.conardandco.com -Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://conardandco.myflodesk.com/starterkit

In this episode of Shop Talk, co-hosts Nicole and Whitney catch up on their recent sourcing adventures and share what they’re learning as they grow their antique and vintage businesses. From Brimfield’s unpredictable weather and field-by-field logistics to Whitney’s intense buying trip in England, this conversation is full of honest behind-the-scenes insight, practical advice, and plenty of stories from the road.This episode features shop shout-outs to:Elisabeth’s Vintage Treasures - IG @Elisabeths_vintage_treasuresMimi’s Vintage - IG @shopmimisvintageSide Hustle KC - IG @sidehustle.kcDolly Archer English Antiques - IG @dollyarcherenglishantiques☕️ To receive a shop shout out during the next episode and to support the podcast, head over to Buy Me a Coffee to sign up - we appreciate your help in bringing this podcast to your earbuds every month!https://buymeacoffee.com/vintageshoptalkResources mentionedBrimfield Antique Week: brimfieldantiqueweek.comFollow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:-Whitney on IG at @conard.and.co and her website: http://www.conardandco.com-Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://conardandco.myflodesk.com/starterkit

In this episode, Whitney and Nicole share expert tips on researching, dating, and pricing antiques and vintage items. They cover practical techniques, key resources, and industry insights to help collectors and sellers enhance their knowledge and confidence.Thank you to this episode’s sponsors!Jill Roddan (IG @jillroddan) - Cotswolds, England. She sells at Tudor House in Stow-on-the-Wold & Station Mill Antiques in Chipping Norton, England.Helen Wilde (second time sponsor) - IG @helensprettyvintage2018. Located in Brighton, UK. Visit Etsy shop.Lauren (IG @soulofasouthernhome) - Horse brass queen and equestrian antiques in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit Etsy shopSpecial thank you to our repeat monthly sponsors Richard and Thais from Dolly Archer English Antiques - IG @dollyarcherenglishantiques. Visit shop website.  keywordsantique research, vintage pricing, antique identification, furniture dating, art and ceramics, auction results, dealer relationships, museum resources, antique books, pricing strategiesChapters00:00 Introduction to ShopDoc and Antiques Research03:36 Understanding Antique Dating and Research Techniques12:07 Historical Context and Its Importance in Antiques24:24 Resources for Researching Antiques and Artwork43:00 Understanding Antique Pricing and Authenticity46:12 Building Trust Through Knowledge48:11 Essential Resources for Antique Dealers53:21 Networking and Relationships in the Antique Community56:41 Utilizing Technology for Antique Identification59:45 Pricing Strategies for Antique Items01:05:34 The Importance of Cash Flow in Antiques01:10:14 Supporting Each Other in the Reselling Community resourcesJudith Miller's Antique Price Guides - https://amzn.to/3Rmt3BrWorthpoint Auction Database - https://www.worthpoint.comInvaluable Auction Platform - https://www.invaluable.comThe Potteries.org - https://www.thepotteries.orgReplacements.com for China and Silverware - https://www.replacements.comBrave Art UK - Canvas and Frame Dating - https://bravefineart.com/blogs/news/identifying-the-age-of-a-canvas-painting?srsltid=AfmBOor7fYwQMp9WmCXoky5TBvRAy63UeJ46M0dKz1L3RiONr-NYaB1PMuseum Online Catalogs (e.g., The Met, UK Museums) - https://www.metmuseum.orgSainsbury's Advertising Pot Database - https://www.sainsburyarchive.org.uk/catalogue/highlightsJean Weatherby’s Ironstone Books - https://amzn.to/4dtOSYiKovel’s Antique Price Guide - https://a.co/d/08xIJCCONicole’s Amazon storefront for reference books:https://amzn.to/4dtOSYiWhitney’s Amazon storefront for reference books:https://www.amazon.com/shop/thrifty_whitney/list/3EAR1PJXHDIPI?ref_=aipsflist☕️ To receive a shop shout out during the next episode and to support the podcast, head over to Buy Me a Coffee to sign up - we appreciate your help in bringing this podcast to your earbuds every month!Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:-Whitney on IG at @conard.and.co and her website: http://www.conardandco.com -Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://conardandco.myflodesk.com/starterkit

This month, we sat down with Krista Agocs, the owner and creative mind behind KPorter Home. She has been an antiques lover and collector for many years and hosts live sales and quarterly themed marathons on Instagram. Krista is disabled and hopes to use her platform for advocacy in addition to sharing her love for old stuff.Thank you to the sponsors for this month’s episode!Dolly Archer English Antiques - Imported antique English furniture & decorative goods online and in Ft. Myers, Florida shop (featured in Shop Talk episode 27)Above & Beyond Shop - Small batch elderberry syrup, using organic, well-sourced ingredients and raw seasonal honey. Use special promo code code “VINTAGE” at checkout to save 10% on your first order: https://aboveandbeyondshop.com/☕️ To receive a shop shout out during the next episode and to support the podcast, head over to Buy Me a Coffee to sign up - we appreciate your help in bringing this podcast to your earbuds every month!Krista’s reel on disability access in antique malls - https://www.instagram.com/p/DRuR7_MjkT9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:-Whitney on IG at @conard.and.co and her website: http://www.conardandco.com -Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com -Krista on IG at @kporterhome Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://conardandco.myflodesk.com/starterkitGet 1:1 vintage business strategy session with Whitney - https://conardandco.com/products/vintage-business-consulting-call-with-whitney

Nicole & Whitney answer your burning questions in today's episode of Shop Talk. From choosing website platforms to planning your first overseas buying trip (plus Whitney's spicy take on asking for a dealer's shipper names) - we give you the lows and highs of selling antiques and vintage online.☕️ To receive a shop shout out during the next episode and to support the podcast, head over to Buy Me a Coffee to sign up - we appreciate your help in bringing this podcast to your earbuds every month!Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:-Whitney on IG at @conard.and.co and her website: http://www.conardandco.com -Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://conardandco.myflodesk.com/starterkit keywords:antique sourcing, importing, selling online, inventory management, business tips, England antiques, shipping crates, Etsy vs Instagram, pricing apps, business mindset

In this episode of Vintage Shop Talk, we welcome Wendy Batten, a retail business coach and former shop owner, to discuss the journey from running a vintage business as a hobby to treating it as a serious, intentional business. Wendy shares her insights on the importance of mindset shifts, the four pillars of business, and how to scale sustainably without losing joy. The conversation emphasizes the significance of branding, pricing strategies, and creating systems that work for individual business owners. Wendy encourages listeners to design a business that serves their life and to embrace their ambition without fear.Wendy Batten is a retail coach and business strategist for independent small business owners and the host of the Creative Shop Talk podcast. With nearly 30 years of hands-on experience, she helps retailers grow profitably while designing a life they actually want. Known for grounded strategy, honest leadership, and a belief that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of joy, Wendy coaches clients around the world from her tiny crooked cottage by the sea in Nova Scotia. You can find her programs and services and connect with her at wendybatten.comGet your free business planning guide from Wendy here - https://wendybatten.com/planning-guide/Special thank you to our sponsors for this episode - -Dianna from The Lovie Shop - IG @thelovieshop and thelovieco.com-Brie from Olive & Thyme Vintage - IG @olive.and.thyme.vintage and oliveandthymevintage.com-Maggie from Collector & Curator - IG @collectorandcurator and collectorandcurator.comFollow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:-Whitney on IG at @conard.and.co and her website: http://www.conardandco.com -Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com -Wendy Batten on IG @wendybatten.biz and her website: https://wendybatten.com/Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://conardandco.myflodesk.com/starterkit

Join Whitney & Nicole as they recap their business highlights of 2025 and look ahead to 2026! Consider this your coffee date with your business besties 👯‍♀️as we break down what worked last year, our biggest challenges and wins, and how we are planning to make 2026 our best year in business yet.We want to thank our friends Dolly Archer English Antiques for sponsoring today’s episode. Richard & Thais source ‘stories in furniture form’ from across England. They also were guests on episode 27 - check it for a deep dive into exporting English antiques!If you’d like to sponsor an episode, click the link donate & have a Shop Shout Out on the podcast - http://www.buymeacoffee.com/vintageshoptalkFollow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:-Whitney on IG at @conard.and.co and her website: http://www.conardandco.com -Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://conardandco.myflodesk.com/starterkit

Get ready for an exciting episode as Whitney and Nicole take you on a journey into the enchanting @worldofnatashakennerley ! You might have caught a sneak peek of our unforgettable adventure through the picturesque Cotswolds, complete with a charming afternoon tea at Natasha's wonderfully curated home, during our October England trip. Now, we're diving deeper into Natasha’s captivating stories, her amazing antique collections, insider tips on antiquing in England, and where you can find her unique treasures for sale. Don't miss this charming, inspiring chat filled with travel tales, hidden gems, and a love for all things vintage!We are so thankful for our supporters! This month’s sponsors include Laura from @the_snyder_collection and Jill from @vintagiegoods . If you’d like to get a Shop Shout Out in a future episode, comment COFFEE below and we will send you a link to support the podcast.📢 Welcome to Shop Talk, your monthly dose of inspiration for selling vintage and antiques online, hosted by @vintagehavenshoppe and @conard.and.co. We bring you conversations, strategies and tips on running a thriving business that gives you life, instead of taking over your life.➡ Watch us on YouTube and Spotify - comment REPLAY below to get the links sent to your DMs.➡ Have an idea for an episode topic? Let us know!👀Watch our stories for a question box to submit your questions for the next episode, or just send us a DM!❤️ We’d appreciate it so much if you saved this post and shared it with others who would enjoy it! Spread the word! 📢Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:-Whitney on IG at @conard.and.co and her website: http://www.conardandco.com -Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com- Natasha on IG @worldofnatashakennerley Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://conardandco.myflodesk.com/starterkit

In this episode of Shop Talk, hosts Whitney and Nicole interview Thais and Richard from Dolly Archer Antiques, a husband and wife team specializing in English antiques. They discuss the origins of their business, the challenges of sourcing and selling antiques, and the importance of community and collaboration in the antique industry. The conversation also covers tips for identifying quality antiques, the restoration process, and the benefits of selling on platforms like Cherish. Thais and Richard share valuable insights for aspiring antique sellers, emphasizing the importance of passion, patience, and building relationships within the community.Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:-Whitney on IG at @conard.and.co and her website: http://www.conardandco.com -Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com -Dolly Archer Antiques on IG at @dollyarcherenglishantiques and https://www.dollyarcher.com/ Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://conardandco.myflodesk.com/starterkit

Whitney & Nicole traveled to England last month with their husbands for their first antique buying trip. And we fell hard for England! Join us for a recap on our week in the countryside. We share all the logistics for traveling to and from England, importing antiques, getting around the country, finding antique fairs and more.We are so thankful for our supporters! This month’s sponsors include @oohilovethat @cobblestone.house and @monarchlandingquilts. If you’d like to get a Shop Shout Out in a future episode, comment COFFEE below and we will send you a link to support the podcast.📢 Shop Talk is your monthly dose of inspiration for selling vintage and antiques online, hosted by @vintagehavenshoppe and @conard.and.co. We bring you conversations, strategies and tips on running a thriving antiques business that gives you life, instead of taking over your life.

In this episode of Shop Talk, Whitney and Nicole discuss the intricacies of shipping vintage items with guest Crystal Joyce. They explore the challenges sellers face, the importance of effective packaging, and the common mistakes made in the shipping process. Crystal shares her journey from accounting to becoming a shipping expert, emphasizing the significance of customer experience and the role of shipping policies. The conversation also highlights the benefits of using shipping platforms and the importance of proper packaging to ensure items arrive safely and enhance customer satisfaction.We discuss the intricacies of shipping fragile items, the importance of eco-friendly packaging, and the psychological impact of free shipping on consumer behavior. They share best practices for packaging, including the use of honeycomb paper and the significance of branding through packaging. The discussion also covers strategies for implementing free shipping effectively, especially for small businesses and vintage sellers.Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:-Whitney on IG at @conard.and.co and her website: http://www.conardandco.com -Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com -Crystal Joyce on IG at @mrsshippie and her website: https://mrsshippie.com/Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://conardandco.myflodesk.com/starterkit

From antique treasures to tariffs - join our conversation with Kristina Urquhart from @the.vintage.seeker , as she shares how her business is bridging the gap between sellers and seekers - now available to watch on YouTube & Spotify!📢 Welcome to Shop Talk, your monthly dose of inspiration for selling vintage and antiques online, hosted by @vintagehavenshoppe and @conard.and.co. We bring you conversations, strategies and tips on running a thriving business that gives you life, instead of taking over your life.New episodes launching monthly to watch on YouTube and Spotify (and more platforms coming soon)!

SummaryIn this episode of Shop Talk, hosts Whitney and Nicole discuss the evolution of their podcast, their personal journeys in the vintage selling business, and the importance of community support. They share insights from their experiences, highlight memorable guests, and address common challenges faced by sellers. The conversation also covers their transition to a new recording format, future plans, and answers listener questions about maintaining consistency and overcoming sales plateaus.TakeawaysShop Talk is evolving to better serve its audience.Community support is crucial for success in business.It's important to love both the product and the selling process.The term 'side hustle' doesn't reflect the dedication required.Guest interviews provide valuable insights and learning opportunities.Navigating business challenges is part of the journey.Transitioning to a new format aims to enhance content quality.Consistency in business requires setting up systems.Sales plateaus can often be addressed by changing platforms or presentation.Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:-Whitney on IG at @conard.and.co and her website: http://www.conardandco.com-Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://conardandco.myflodesk.com/starterkit

The warmer weather is here, and we are smack dab in the middle of “Market Season”! This episode is all about traveling for antiques — from jumping in your car to hit up a local market, to hopping on a plane in pursuit of bustling Parisian brocantes.🧳We dove into Nicole’s recent trip to Paris, along with several large markets here in the states. Learn about how to prepare for a market, what to bring, and where to go! Whether you're dreaming of antique-hunting getaways or planning your next market-hopping adventure, this episode is your perfect pre-trip companion!Originally aired on Instagram Live on Wednesday, June 11th.Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:-Whitney on IG at @conard.and.co and https://conardandco.com -Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://conardandco.com/starterkitParis Markets that occur year-round:Porte de Vanves - outsideSouth of Paris - take a Bolt / Uber, or busSaturday & SundayMAP - Marché aux Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen - combination of indoor enclosed “mall” and indoor / outdoor stalls - different areas to shop per streetNorth of Paris - take a Bolt / Uber, bus or Metro. **Area outside the market is very “urban” - be aware of surroundings (outskirts of Paris - much different setting) Vendors have permanent locations / shops. Open on Friday (for dealers only), Saturday, Sunday, Monday (not all shops are open on Monday)Puces d’Aligre - outsideIn the 12th Arrondissement - easy to access by Metro / bus (or walking!)Approx. 30+ vendors set up dailyMore of a casual flea market settingUS Markets mentioned in the episode:Brimfield, MA - https://www.brimfieldantiquefleamarket.com/Springfield, OH - https://jenkinsandco.com/springfield-antique-show/ Madison-Bouckville, NY - https://www.madison-bouckville.com/ Liberty, NC - https://www.libertyantiquesfestival.com/Sparks Flea Market, KS - https://www.facebook.com/SparksFleaMarket/Tulsa Flea Market, OK - http://www.tulsafleamarket.net/index.html Round Top, TX - https://www.roundtoptexasantiques.com/show-dates Lucketts - Berryville, VA - https://www.luckettsmarkets.com/our-markets-1-1 

Inventory is both the bane and delight of an antique dealer’s existence - finding it can be thrilling, but managing it…not so much.Which is why we are hosting Kelli Ellis for a conversation on how to use technology and storytelling to manage and sell your inventory for your vintage & antique shop!Kelli Ellis,  @world_of_ronati  SVP Industry Relations & Business Development, is an acclaimed celebrity artist and designer whose style epitomizes livable luxury and casual international flair mixed with rockstar glam. She has designed interiors that integrate antiques into residential and hospitality venues for the past 25 years and devised the innovative ‘Design Psychology Coach’ program. As a tastemaker, she’s led the masses on numerous television shows including HGTV, The Design Network (TDN), TCL, Bravo, and more. One of Ronati’s earliest advisors, Kelli joined the Ronati team in 2019, overseeing United Kingdom and European strategic partnerships and events.In this episode, we will hear: -Kelli’s journey to working with dealers through Ronati-Strategic inventory management to increase profit AND sales-How sellers can work with interior designers to grow their businesses-Insider tips for antique shopping in Spain, where you can literally pick up antiques for free on the side of the road-How you can get your free ticket to success by utilizing Ronati Studio to manage your inventory - sign up for a free 30-day pro account trial & get 35% off PRO with promo code: TWMAY2025Originally aired on Instagram Live on May 7, 2025Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:-Whitney on IG at @thrifty_whitney and www.thriftywhitney.com-Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com -Kelli Ellis on IG at @designerkelliellis and her website https://www.kelliellis.com/ -Ronati on IG at @ronatipro and  @world_of_ronati  and website https://ronati.com/ - sign up for a free 30-day pro account trial & get 35% off PRO with promo code: TWMAY2025Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://thriftywhitney.myflodesk.com/starterkit

Do you love French antiques? Is it a dream to peruse the Parisian markets while taking in the rich, French culture? Well, today’s special guest has developed a sense of “je ne sais quoi” in the City of Lights. We are thrilled to have Helen from Quintessentially French as our first international “tour guide”!Helen is about to whisk us away on an exciting journey through the streets of Paris, revealing the city’s best markets and showing us the insider tips for shopping like a true Parisian! She will offer an insider look at her business and the journey that brought it to life. Expect an inspiring, behind the scenes conversation you won’t want to miss!Establishing Quintessentially French Brocante in 2019 was a natural progression for Helen on settling in France. Helen turned a lifetime of collecting, a passion for history and a love of France into a thriving business. Living in Paris and rural Normandy, Helen is blessed with the best of both worlds to source the most glorious antique and vintage treasures.Originally aired on Instagram Live on April 1, 2025.Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:-Whitney on IG at @thrifty_whitney and www.thriftywhitney.com-Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com -Helen on IG at @quintessentiallyfrench and her website: https://www.quintessentiallyfrench.comGet your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://thriftywhitney.myflodesk.com/starterkitOn Helen’s blog: Paris Fleamarket Insider Information - https://www.quintessentiallyfrench.com/post/paris-fleamarkets-insider-informationSome simple French phrases that may help:Always say “Bonjour [madame or monsieur]” as you approach a vendor.“S’il vous plaît” (please), “merci beaucoup” (thank you very much)Asking about the price of an item: Le prix? / Quel est le prix? / Combien s’il vous plaît?Upon leaving, wish the madame or monsieur a “bonne journée!” (good day) 

Whether you’re ready to take the plunge and finally start that Etsy shop, or if you already have one up and running, this episode is for you! We dive deep into selling on Etsy - sharing the good, the bad, and the confusing parts about leveraging this massive platform for our small businesses.This episode is a great overview of how to sell on Etsy - soup to nuts. From setting up a listing, to determining what keywords to use, to shipping methods (free vs. calculated), to handling refunds - we have you covered! AND you may learn a thing or two that you didn’t already know - like how to earn a commission by sharing links! Originally aired on Instagram Live on Date 3/5/2025.*Disclaimer: Any/all perks, options, resources, and figures mentioned during this episode (such as fees, file sizes, etc.) may fluctuate.  Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:-Whitney on IG at @thrifty_whitney and www.thriftywhitney.com-Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://vintagehavenshoppe.etsy.com Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://thriftywhitney.myflodesk.com/starterkit

Tax season is upon us, whether we are ready or not! Finances, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and let’s face it - anything pertaining to numbers - can cause a sense of dread or overwhelm. Whether you are just starting out and want to know how to properly track your finances, or if you are already an established small business owner, this episode is for YOU! Get your pen and paper out, because you will want to jot down notes.Our February guests Paul and Faith from  @MyResellerGenie  will hold our hands and walk us through basic bookkeeping systems so we can focus our time and what we really love - buying and selling vintage! When Faith wanted to start a small business in 2020, but felt overwhelmed, she sought the aid from her accountant husband, Paul. Together, they teamed up to provide a tool that would help her, as well as other small shop owners get set up to run successful businesses. Come along with us as we dive deep into tracking inventory and expenses, prepare for tax season, learn about the financial side of owning a small business, and more!Sign up for My Reseller Genie and get 15% off your first month using the promo code: THRIFTYWHITNEY - https://www.myresellergenie.com/?ref=zgy1odr*Disclaimer - this material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for tax, legal, or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal, and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.Originally aired on Instagram Live on February 20, 2025.Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales:-Whitney on IG at @thrifty_whitney and www.thriftywhitney.com-Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/vintagehavenshoppe- My Reseller Genie (Faith & Paul) on IG at  @MyResellerGenie  and their websites: https://www.myresellergenie.com/ (learn more about the software) and https://www.myresellergenie.com/blog (reseller resources and tips)Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://thriftywhitney.myflodesk.com/starterkit IRS FAQ resources for small businesses:https://www.irs.gov/faqs/small-business-self-employed-other-business https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc511

Are you ready to give your online vintage shop a boost? Or are you just starting out and don’t know where to start when it comes to telling people about the amazing vintage you’re selling? Our next SHOP TALK episode dives deep into marketing. Tune in as we share our strategies for telling people about what we are selling. From using Instagram and Facebook to business cards and text messages, we will provide tips on how to reach your customers with the antiques & vintage you love. Originally aired on Instagram Live on Jan. 8, 2025. Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales: -Whitney on IG at @thrifty_whitney and ⁠www.thriftywhitney.com⁠ -Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: ⁠https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageHavenShoppe⁠ Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - ⁠http://thriftywhitney.myflodesk.com/starterkit

We share all the nitty gritty details of what worked (and didn't) this past year in our vintage online business, and what we're doing differently in 2025. Originally aired on Instagram Live on Dec. 11, 2024. Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales: -Whitney on IG at @thrifty_whitney and ⁠www.thriftywhitney.com⁠ -Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: ⁠https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageHavenShoppe⁠ Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - ⁠http://thriftywhitney.myflodesk.com/starterkit

For many of us vintage sellers, we don’t stop at selling on the internet. We love to sell in person through shows and antique booths! But how do we juggle Instagram sales, a website, and a booth business without losing our minds?! Our November guest Melanie from ‪⁠@LostFoundDecor‬⁠ will share her journey of 12+ years in running a vintage business with multiple revenue streams that includes antique booths, refinished furniture, a brick and mortar store, and an online business. If you’re struggling to find your niche and platform as a reseller, this episode is for YOU. Originally aired on Instagram Live on Nov. 6, 2024. Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales: -Whitney on IG at @thrifty_whitney and ⁠www.thriftywhitney.com⁠ -Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: ⁠https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageHavenShoppe⁠ -Melanie at @lostandfounddecor on Instagram and on her website: ⁠https://www.lostandfounddecor.com/⁠ Melanie's Bootcamp For Booth Sellers - ⁠https://alexander.thrivecart.com/bootcamp⁠ Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - ⁠http://thriftywhitney.myflodesk.com/starterkit

From side hustle to full-time passion, the journey of a vintage seller is rarely a straight line. In our upcoming Shop Talk, we sit down with a seasoned entrepreneur who's weathered the ups and downs of family life, career pivots, and ever-changing online business. Trust us, you won't want to miss this honest and inspiring conversation. Sarah Durst of Potter's Daughter has spent years in the vintage world, as a vintage clothing dealer, textile expert, and professional seamstress working with antique quilts. Her business has evolved alongside her career as an English professor and her growing family. We are so excited to talk about running a business through different seasons of life, learning how to pivot, and knowing when to say NO. We’ll also dip into antique quilts and the world of quilt clothing. NOTE - this episode originally aired on Instagram Live on October 1, 2024. 📢 In case you haven’t heard, SHOP TALK is an IG livestream series to share tips and strategies for online antique & vintage sellers. Think of it as your vintage dealer masterclass - and it’s all FREE. Find all the past episodes in our Highlights and YouTube Channel! Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales: -Whitney on IG at @thrifty_whitney and ⁠⁠www.thriftywhitney.com⁠⁠ -Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: ⁠⁠https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageHavenShoppe⁠⁠ -Sarah on IG @potters.daughter ⁠⁠https://www.pottersdaughter.co/home⁠⁠ Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - ⁠⁠https://thriftywhitney.myflodesk.com/starterkit

If you love cheeky thrifting reels, live sales, and learning about weird vintage items, you will LOVE our next guest! Heather from @thrifted.home.co joins us for September Shop Talk! Heather has been sharing her passion for vintage on Instagram since 2021 and has built a successful online business using many different platforms. She has also cracked the code on creating viral content to grow her audience and connect them as customers to her sales. 📢 In case you haven’t heard, SHOP TALK is an IG livestream series to share tips and strategies for online antique & vintage sellers. Think of it as your vintage dealer masterclass - and it’s all FREE. Find all the past episodes in our Highlights and YouTube Channel! Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales: -Whitney on IG at @thrifty_whitney and www.thriftywhitney.com -Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageHavenShoppe -Heather on IG at @thrifted.home.com Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://thriftywhitney.myflodesk.com/starterkit

In today’s episode of Shop Talk, we chat about vintage product photography and styling, with special guest Jennifer from Shared Belongings! We discuss basic photography principles, equipment you need (or don't need!), how to style vignettes and lifestyle shots, and how to edit and process photos after a shoot. Resources mentioned: Whitney's list of photography tools - https://www.amazon.com/shop/thrifty_w... Snowbound by Sherwin Williams - good white paint for backdrop (like bead board) Blueberry Backdrops - high-quality matte vinyl photo backdrops Product Photography & Styling e-course by Karen Barlow and Roberta Ashley Shop Talk is a livestream discussion for sharing tips and encouragement for online vintage sellers. New episodes launch monthly on Instagram, and replays are posted on YouTube and Spotify. Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales: -Whitney on IG at @thrifty_whitney and www.thriftywhitney.com -Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageHavenShoppe -Jennifer on IG @sharedbelongings and her Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SharedBelongings Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://thriftywhitney.myflodesk.com/s...

Today's episode is all about selling vintage and antiques online with integrity. We welcome special guest Kandis from @the.vintagevine on Instagram to talk about what integrity means, how our values guide our businesses, and how we walk through difficult situations with customers, other shops, and more. These originally aired as livestreams on Instagram. Follow @thrifty_whitney and @vintagehavenshoppe on IG for more help with vintage selling. Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://thriftywhitney.myflodesk.com/starterkit 📢 In case you haven’t heard, SHOP TALK is an IG livestream series to share tips and strategies for online antique & vintage sellers. Think of it as your vintage dealer masterclass - and it’s all FREE. Find all the past episodes in our Highlights and YouTube Channel! ➡ Replays will be available on both of our pages under Reels and Highlights, and on @thrifty_whitney’s YouTube channel - comment YouTube below to get the link sent to your DMs ➡ Have an idea for an episode topic? Let us know! 👀Watch our stories for a question box to submit your questions for the live, or just send us a DM! ❤️ We’d appreciate it so much if you saved this post and shared it with others who would enjoy it! Spread the word! 📢

Today we had an open Q&A session for vintage selling! We answered dozens of fabulous questions about selling from you all. And towards the end, we really got honest about how to run a business. Follow us on Instagram - Whitney - http://www.instagram.com/thrifty_whitney Nicole - http://www.instagram.com/vintagehavenshoppe Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://thriftywhitney.myflodesk.com/starterkit

Learn how to set up your own website for your vintage shop on Shopify in this special free class on IG Live with @thrifty_whitney, @vintagehavenshoppe and @theantiqueher! Shop Talk is our monthly IG livestream series, where we bring you the tips and strategies you need to succeed in running your own online vintage shop. Today we chat all about how to open a website on Shopify, set up your first listings, drive traffic to your shop, figure out shipping, cross-post to other platforms and more. Shopify is an incredible all-in-one e-commerce platform that can streamline your business. We use it as our centralized hub, no matter where we are selling. Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://thriftywhitney.myflodesk.com/starterkit Resources mentioned: Shopify Pirate Ship - discounted shipping rates Flodesk - email marketing ManyChat - automated social media chat marketing Etsy Integration & Sync DPL Sellbrite (for Etsy integration)

In today’s episode of Shop Talk, we chat about selling vintage on Etsy with long-time seller Ashley from Delightfully Dutch. We answer your questions about Etsy fees, how to set up listings, how to create search engine optimized listings, whether to choose free shipping vs. calculated shipping, and more. Shop Talk is a livestream discussion for sharing tips and encouragement for online vintage sellers. New episodes launch monthly on Instagram, and replays are posted on YouTube. Follow our accounts for more vintage news, tips, and sales: -Whitney on IG at @thrifty_whitney and www.thriftywhitney.com -Nicole on IG at @vintagehavenshoppe and her Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageHavenShoppe -Ashley on IG at @delightfullydutchvintage and her Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/DelightfullyDutchVintage Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers here, with the tips, supplies, and apps you need to jumpstart your shop - http://thriftywhitney.myflodesk.com/starterkit

In today’s episode of Shop Talk, Nicole and I welcomed our very first guest: Marcela from @brassantics , who gave insight on all things “Branding”! Shop Talk is a livestream discussion for sharing tips and encouragement for online vintage sellers. New episodes launch monthly on Instagram, and replays are posted on YouTube. Follow Whitney on IG at @thrifty_whitney and Nicole at @vintagehavenshoppe for updates, seller tips, and antique sales. In this episode, we cover: -What is branding? - a feeling or vibe you’re looking to portray to your viewers / clients / customers -Figure out your essence and move forward with that groundwork -Marcela - “Elements of visual language.” -Use colors to portray a feeling or mood (pairing colors that compliment one another, OR utilizing contrasting colors to show depth and versatility) -Using color hex codes to be uniform on all programs -Toolkit - name, colors, fonts -Live with the business before figuring out all of the assets (digital and physical), to see what works for you and your business. It may not necessarily be the same as someone else. Don’t feel the need to replicate someone else’s business module, because it may not work for you. -Colors - 3 is a comfortable number without going overboard -Fonts - 2, maybe 3 maximum (serif & sans serif) -Marcela - “What is your True North”? Figure out what that means to your business and use it as a guidepoint. A few resources mentioned: Canva.com https://www.16personalities.com/ Coolors.co Pinterest.com Miro.com Get your FREE Starter Kit for Online Vintage Sellers from Whitney here - https://thriftywhitney.myflodesk.com/starterkit

In today’s episode of Shop Talk, Nicole and I talk about how to pack and ship vintage items. Shop Talk is a livestream discussion for sharing tips and encouragement for online vintage sellers. New episodes launch monthly on Instagram, and replays are posted on YouTube. Follow Whitney on IG at @thrifty_whitney and Nicole at @vintagehavenshoppe for updates, seller tips, and antique sales. In this episode, we cover: How to calculate and charge for shipping What supplies are needed / recommended Where to find the supplies How to get your shipping area set up Basic packing principles Demonstration on: How to cut down a box to become smaller How to flip a box inside out How to wrap different types of items Tips on how to pack a box with a single item, and multiple items How to purchase shipping labels A few resources mentioned: Pirate Ship - free website with discounted shipping costs for UPS and USPS Shippo - website with discounted shipping costs for multiple shipping services American Bubble Boy - website that sells bubble wrap, pillow packs, and shipping tape (can set up subscriptions for automatic renewal of specific items) Standard box sizes we use: Standard box sizes - 8”sq., 10”sq., 12”sq., 12x12x8, 15x15x6, 15”sq., 16x12x8, 20x14x6” (note that these are interior box dimensions - actual outer dimensions may be larger)

In today's episode on Shop Talk, Nicole and I talk about selling vintage on Instagram in stories, feed posts, and IG live. We cover: -How to prep your items for sale: research, pricing, and measurements -How to promote your sales on IG -How to take great photos and set up for a live sale -How to run claims on your sales -How to process payments and shipping info A few resources mentioned: -Canva.com - a free website to use for designing graphics for IG -bookfinder.com - a website that searches all used and new bookstore websites to find lowest price on books -Lightroom app - the app Nicole & Whitney use to edit photos -Unfold - use the free version to create simple IG story slides -IG Broadcast Channel (not available to everyone) tutorial to send a DM to a group of subscribers Follow @thrifty_whitney and @vintagehavenshoppe on IG for more vintage tips and sales!

Shop Talk Ep. 3: Instagram 101 for Vintage Sellers Nicole (@vintagehavenshoppe) and Whitney (@thrifty_whitney) share tips and ideas for Instagram growth and running a vintage shop on IG. Show Notes: -Set up 2-factor authentication to protect your IG account from hackers -Choose business or creative IG account (not personal) to give you more options -Remember: your content is for your customers. -Profile - choose a logo or clear photo of your face for your profile pic -Bio - keep it clear and concise; give people a reason to follow you -Content ideas - styling, shopping hauls, sale preview pics, behind-the-scenes info -Invite engagement in every piece of content -Will your followers want to save it/share it/replay it? -Hashtags - use 5-8 niche hashtags with less than 100k uses -Reels - use trending audio that has less than 10k uses and the original audio has over 1million views Apps for IG/editing Lightroom - photo editing (use presets) Canva - promo graphics, calendar Temply (Reels) Unfold - stories & feed posts Inshot - quick square templates for multiple photos CapCut - the funny green screen videos with the overlying IG strategy accounts to follow Eve Longfield - @evelongfield Michelle Gifford - @iammichellegifford Caroline Flett - @misscarolineflett Emily Connors - @the.creative.bodega Lizzy Palios - @lizzypalios Kristen Boss - @thekristenboss

Shop Talk Ep. 2: How To Find & Manage Inventory for Your Online Vintage Shop In today's episode, Whitney & Nicole discuss how to find inventory for your vintage shop and manage it with tracking systems and good storage. Shop Talk is a livestream discussion for sharing tips and encouragement for online vintage sellers. New episodes launch monthly on Instagram, and replays are posted on YouTube and Spotify. Follow Whitney on IG at @thrifty_whitney and Nicole at @vintagehavenshoppe for updates, seller tips, and antique sales. Topics: How to develop a niche and decide what kind of inventory to sell The best sources for finding inventory How to buy at the right price for the right profit margins How to track your inventory costs and items How to physically store and organize your inventory

Whitney (Instagram @thrifty_whitney) and Nicole (Instagram @vintagehavenshoppe) talk about how to start selling vintage online: platforms to use, how to track your inventory, and our own stories of how we started our vintage shops.